News, Information, and Resources for the Public
Recovery Resources [ [link removed] ]
*December 31, 2025*
News, Information, and Resources for the Public
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todays updates
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?? Happy New Year! ??
Happy New Year
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?? Holiday Notice ??
Most County of Los Angeles government offices will be closed on Thursday, January 1, 2026 in observance of the New Year's Day holiday.
In addition, there may be storm related closures on other days. Check this page under Impacts to County Services. [ [link removed] ]
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Home Again: The Dyson Family’s Journey
Dyson Family [ [link removed] ]
After the Eaton Fire destroyed their home, the Dyson family begins the journey back. The story [ [link removed] ] follows their recovery from loss to resilience and ends with a return to their newly rebuilt home.
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Rain and Wind Can Bring Road Hazards
Report Road Hazards
Storms can bring road hazards, especially near wildfire burn scars areas.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Works encourages you to report fallen trees, poles, or road hazards anytime at:
*800-675-HELP *
*800-675-4357*
Do not ignore road closure signs or barricades.
⚠️ Do NOT drive around barricades
⚠️ Avoid moving or ponded water — Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
Closures are in place for your safety. Please plan ahead and stay safe.
More updates and information about LA County road closures are here [ [link removed] ].
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Voices of Fire Recovery: The Alvarados
The Alvarados [ [link removed] ]
The Alvarado family lost their slice of sunshine during the Eaton fire, but with building permits in hand, their rebuilding journey is moving forward [ [link removed] ].
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Economic Recovery
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Rent Relief Applications Available
for Wildfire-Impacted Landlords
Rent Relief [ [link removed] ]
?? Applications for the *Emergency Rent Relief Program [ [link removed] ] are being accepted. ??*
*The deadline to submit applications is Friday, January 23, 2026*, at 4:59 p.m. PST.
Directed by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and administered by the *Los Angeles County Department of Consumer & Business Affairs* in partnership with *The Center by Lendistry* (TCbL), this program will distribute more than $23 million in rental and mortgage relief to eligible landlords and homeowners affected by the Palisades, Eaton, and other wildfires.
*Relief to Help Families Stay Housed*
The Emergency Rent Relief Program will provide financial assistance to:
* *Eligible Landlords* whose tenants were unable to pay rent due to emergency-related hardship, or whose rental units were directly affected by the wildfires and remain vacant due to needed repairs, and
* *Displaced Homeowners* who lost their homes in the wildfires and are now renting elsewhere while facing unpaid rent, unpaid mortgages, or other qualified expenses caused by recent emergencies.
Grants may cover up to six months of debt, with a maximum award of $15,000 per rental unit in most cases.
*Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply [ [link removed] ] ASAP.* Submitting an application does not guarantee funding.
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The Disaster Case Management Program is There to Help
Disaster Case Management [ [link removed] ]
*The Disaster Case Management Program* (DCMP) is FEMA-funded and provides supplemental Disaster Case Management services to vulnerable populations.
The January 2025 wildfires are an active DCMP under the name:
*DR-4856 - 2025 Wildfires Straight-line Winds (January)*
To see if you qualify, please call 833-775-3267 or click here for more information from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Disaster Services Branch (DSB). [ [link removed] ]
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Fire Recovery and Resilience Workforce Program
Fire Recovery and Resilience Workforce Program [ [link removed] ]
*The Fire Recovery and Resilience Workforce Program* provides immediate hiring and training support for impacted and dislocated workers from the January 2025 windstorms and wildfires in partnership with *LA County Department of Economic Opportunity* (DEO) and the region’s America’s Job Centers of California.
Check eligibility and fill out an interest form here. [ [link removed] ]
The *Hospitality Training Academy [ [link removed] ]* (HTA) is offering paid training opportunities to help fire-impacted residents launch careers in food service and hospitality.
Current openings include:
* *Prep Cook Pre-Apprenticeship* – Learn kitchen safety, knife skills, and food handling.
* *Line Cook Apprenticeship* – Advance culinary skills and earn a U.S. Department of Labor certification.
* *Barista Apprenticeship* – Gain hands-on barista and customer service experience with food safety certifications.
Eligible applicants must be LA County residents, age 18+, impacted by the 2025 fires, and authorized to work in the U.S.
Apply here [ [link removed] ] (Select “HTA” on question 11).
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Regional “Shop Local. Dine Local. Recover Local.” Campaign Supports Economic Recovery for Fire Impacted Small Businesses
Shop Local [ [link removed] ]
Local businesses in or near impacted areas can sign up at shoplocal.la [ [link removed] ] to be included in the *Recover Local Business Directory*, an online list of highly-impacted businesses.
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Housing Expenses and Conditions
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Wildfire Survivors Eligible for CalAssist Mortgage Fund
Cal Assist Mortgage Fund [ [link removed] ]
The *CalAssist Mortgage Fund [ [link removed] ]* is a state program that provides much-needed relief from mortgage payments for displaced families whose homes were destroyed or left uninhabitable by a California disaster such as the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire.
*You may eligible if your primary residence was destroyed or is uninhabitable due to a qualified disaster from 1/1/2023 through 1/8/2025, you meet program income limits, you have a mortgage or reverse mortgage, and you own a single-family home, condo or permanently affixed manufactured home (may include up to 4 units).* If you qualify and are selected, the Fund will pay three months of mortgage payments, up to a maximum of $20,000. Funds never have to be repaid and it’s free to apply. Grants will be paid directly to your mortgage servicer.
*Funds are limited and applications will be reviewed in the order received.
*
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Ensuring Habitable Rental Housing in Unincorporated Areas
Rental Properties [ [link removed] ]
*The Rental Housing Habitability Program [ [link removed] ]* (RHHP) aims to ensure rental units meet habitability standards, support property values, and provide safe living conditions. It is important for landlords and renters in *unincorporated* Los Angeles County communities to be aware this program, especially in areas where wildfires have impacted the conditions of rental properties.
RHHP is authorized to respond to tenant complaints.
To meet state housing health and safety standards, landlords and/or rental property owners are required to maintain rental housing units in a safe and habitable condition. The likelihood of smoke damage from the *Eaton Fire*, including fire-related ash and soot in and around a rental housing property and/or a lingering smell of smoke, may present a health and safety risk to tenants and requires professional evaluation [ [link removed] ].
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Rebuilding
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Rebuilding Together Virtual Workshops
Rebuilding Together Virtual Workshops [ [link removed] ]
Recordings are available [ [link removed] ] of eight Rebuilding Together Virtual Workshops.
Discover insights from experts on topics like addressing funding gaps, finding and working with design professionals and licensed contractors, navigating manufactured and factory-built home submittals, and more.
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Public Portal for Pre-Approved Plans
Assists in Rebuilding in Wildfire-Impacted Areas
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Canibuild [ [link removed] ]
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The County of Los Angeles has partnered with Canibuild, an AI-powered geospatial pre-construction platform, for a public portal [ [link removed] ] that empowers homeowners recovering from the Eaton and Palisades Fires to understand what they can rebuild on their property in unincorporated areas.
• Canibuild is the County’s designated technology vendor for this initiative; it is not an endorsed builder, contractor, or construction service.
• The Portal is free for residents to use.
• The system includes 60+ of the County’s official Pre-Approved Plans, already loaded and mapped.
• The zoning engine is built specifically for LA County and includes all relevant overlays and rebuild rules.
• The Portal provides information and site analysis only; construction services are not included.
The Portal provides an initial compliance check. It is not inclusive of all standards. Plans will still need to go through the County’s review and approval process.
The Portal [ [link removed] ] allows residents to enter their address and instantly see zoning allowances, lot constraints, and which of the County’s 60+ Pre-Approved Plans fit their property. This gives homeowners clarity early in the process, reduces uncertainty, and helps them move forward confidently before engaging a builder or submitting plans.
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Road to Recovery [ [link removed] ]
If you're rebuilding in Altadena or any unincorporated wildfire area in LA County, get the information you need from *this website* [ [link removed] ].
There are ways to speed up the process of rebuilding. We call it the Express Lane on the Road to Recovery. ⬇
Express Lane on the Road to Recovery [ [link removed] ]
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eCheck AI Pilot is Part of “Express Lane” for Faster Rebuilding
Express Lane on the Road to Recovery [ [link removed] ]
*The eCheck AI Pilot is one way residents can accelerate the approval process, along with opting for a pre-approved plans [ [link removed] ] and a Like-for-Like Rebuild [ [link removed] ].*
*Here’s how residents can participate in the eCheck AI Pilot:*
• Sign up for a *free* account:
➡ LA County [ [link removed] ] (Altadena and other unincorporated areas)
➡ City of LA [ [link removed] ]
➡ City of Malibu [ [link removed] ]
• Look up your property address.
• Upload your architectural drawings in PDF format.
• Residents can choose between Like-for-Like and Non-Like-for-Like rebuild projects.
When results are ready, participants can review them on the eCheck platform and include the downloadable report in their permit application.
*This is a completely voluntary pilot; it is not required as part of the existing Plan Check application process.
*
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Like-for-Like Rebuilds
Like-for-Like Rebuilds: And Why It Matters - Recorded Webinar
?? Video [ [link removed] ]
?? Slides [ [link removed] ] (PDF)
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Pre-Approved Plans
To learn about the benefits of using pre-approved plans visit the [ [link removed] ]
Pre-Approved Plans page. [ [link removed] ]
Preapproved Plans: A Headstart for Homeowners - Recorded Webinar
?? Video [ [link removed] ]
?? Slides [ [link removed] ] (PDF)
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Resilient Resource Rebuilding [ [link removed] ]
The County of Los Angeles has an introductory resource guide [ [link removed] ] for planning, designing, and constructing healthy, *fire resilient, and efficient buildings and properties*.
The guide *includes currently available incentives & rebates*, and links to other trusted information with fact sheets and checklists for property owners.
Click here to explore the guide [ [link removed] ].
Resilient Rebuild Resources Guide - Recorded Webinar
?? Video [ [link removed] ]
?? Slides [ [link removed] ] (PDF)
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Malibu Fee Waiver Program
Malibu Rebuilds Fee Waver [ [link removed] ]
The *City of Malibu* has a *Fee Waiver Program [ [link removed] ]* to help property owners affected by the recent fires. The program eliminates City planning and building permit fees for like-for-like, owner-occupied homes and duplexes.
The fee waiver applies to City of Malibu-issued permits for:
?? Planning approvals and building permits
?? Temporary housing
?? Wastewater treatment system upgrades
?? Required infrastructure (seawalls, water tanks, suppression systems)
?? Accessory structures, hardscaping, and landscaping
*?? Key Deadlines:*
June 30, 2028: Fee Waiver Application Due
June 30, 2028: Planning Applications Must Be Complete
December 30, 2030: All Building Permits Must Be Pulled
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Removing the Burden of County Permit Fees for Malibu Homeowners
Rebuilding After the Palisades Fire
The County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors approved [ [link removed] ] deferring and refunding specified permit fees for qualified *City of Malibu* homeowners who submit applications for County permits for rebuilding single-family homes impacted by Palisades Fire.
This followed previous actions covering rebuilds in unincorporated areas outside of city limits.
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Fee Waivers & Refunds for Rebuilding in Unincorporated Areas
On June 17, 2025, the LA County Board of Supervisors approved a motion to waive and refund fees for *qualifying property owners rebuilding single-family homes in unincorporated Los Angeles County following the Eaton and Palisades wildfires*.
Residents can check their eligibility on this Fee Waivers & Refunds page [ [link removed] ].
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Self-Certification Pilot Program for Rebuilding in Unincorporated Areas
Under the *Building Plan Self-Certification Pilot Program*,* California licensed architects and engineers can self-certify* that their building plans comply with the Los Angeles County Building Code, eliminating the need for a full plan check review. *Architects and engineers interested in participating in the program must register at recovery.lacounty.gov/rebuilding/self-certification [ [link removed] ]*.
A list of professionals registered to self-certify will be available at recovery.lacounty.gov/rebuilding [ [link removed] ]. Only architects and engineers who register in advance will be able to self-certify plans.
*Eligible projects include the replacement of single-family homes, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and appurtenant structures that were damaged by the Eaton or Palisades Fire and are located in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.*
All required approvals from other L.A. County departments – including Regional Planning, Public Health, and Fire – must still be obtained prior to the issuance of a building permit.
*For more information on the Self-Certification Pilot Program, eligibility requirements, or to find a registered professional, visit recovery.lacounty.gov/rebuilding/self-certification/ [ [link removed] ].*
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Charting the Path Forward for Unincorporated Burn Areas
Blueprint For Rebuilding [ [link removed] ]
"
""LA County Foward: Blueprint for Rebuilding" is now available here (PDF) [ [link removed] ].
See a summary of what this means for wildfire survivors (PDF). [ [link removed] ]
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Rebuilding Permit Centers: Get Help with Rebuilding
Rebuilding Permit Centers [ [link removed] ] are open for guidance through the rebuilding process for residents affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires. These permit centers connect you with the departments responsible for rebuilding in your area.
*LA County One-Stop Permit Center [ [link removed] ]
*464 West Woodbury Road, Suite 210, Altadena, CA 91001
Walk-In Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Rebuild Consultation Appointments Available:
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. - 12 Noon.
SCE Planner Appointments Available:
Monday and Wednesday: 8 a.m. - Noon.
Click here [ [link removed] ] for more information.
*LA County One-Stop Permit Center - NEW LOCATION! [ [link removed] ]*
27001 Agoura Road, Suite 250, Calabasas, CA 91302
Walk-In Hours:
Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Rebuild Consultation Appointments Available:
Monday and Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
1st Saturday of the month: 8 a.m. – Noon.
SCE Appointments Available:
SCE representatives are available Monday-Friday 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at 1-800-250-7339.
Book an online virtual appointment here [ [link removed] ].
Click here [ [link removed] ] for more information.
*City of LA - One Stop Permit Center [ [link removed] ]*
1828 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
Open Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Click here [ [link removed] ] for more information.
*City of Malibu Rebuild Center [ [link removed] ]*
23805 Stuart Ranch Road, Suite 240, Malibu, CA 90265
Open Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Click here [ [link removed] ] for more information.
*City of Pasadena Planning Recovery Virtual Consultations* [ [link removed] ]
Appointments are available Monday through Thursday here [ [link removed] ]
Questions: Email <
[email protected]> or visit the Pasadena Permit Center [ [link removed] ]
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Additional In-Person Services Are Available
to Assist in Wildfire Recovery
DCBA Helps at Centers [ [link removed] ]
*
In-person County services [ [link removed] ] continue to be available at two locations for those impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires:
*
*One-Stop Rebuilding Center [ [link removed] ]*
?? 1828 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
?? Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
*Altadena Community Center [ [link removed] ]*
?? 730 E. Altadena Drive, Altadena, CA 91001
?? Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
*
*
*Survivors of the Eaton and Palisades Fires can access state services at this website [ [link removed] ].*
To contact *FEMA*, visit DisasterAssistance.gov [ [link removed] ].
To speak with a FEMA specialist directly call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service. Lines are open daily from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.
Survivors can continue to provide additional documentation or supporting files to FEMA by mail:
FEMA – Individuals and Households Program
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055;
Or by facsimile:
800-827-8112, Attention: FEMA – Individuals and Households Program
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Community Corner
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Assistance Available for Food, Housing, and Other Needs
Please know that there are local resources and community efforts to support you. Whether the assistance needed is temporary or long-term, do not hesitate on locating assistance as soon as possible.
LA County has a network of 940 food pantries in place across the County coordinated by the *Los Angeles Regional Food Bank [ [link removed] ]*.
For food assistance, people can visit their local food pantry or find one near them by checking here [ [link removed] ] or visiting www.211la.org [ [link removed] ] or calling *2-1-1*.
211 is also helpful for finding assistance with housing and other needs.
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Altadena’s Village Post Office
A Village Post Office is available at Webster’s Pharmacy in Altadena. The postal counter at Webster's accepts mail and package drop-offs, has pre-paid box services, flat-rate mailing supplies, and sells forever stamps.
?? *Location: *Webster’s Community Pharmacy at Chase Plaza 2333 Lake Avenue, Altadena, CA 91001
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Health
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Who Do I Call For Help? [ [link removed] ]
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Mental Health [ [link removed] ]
Click here for more resources from LACDMH for wildfire survivors. [ [link removed] ]
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Environmental Assessment Results Available
on Post-Fire Dashboard
Data Dashboard [ [link removed] ]
The *Los Angeles County Post-Fire Environmental Data Dashboard [ [link removed] ]* is updated continually as new assessment results are made available. Residents are encouraged to check the dashboard regularly for updates. Changes are highlighted in the “Latest Updates” section on the homepage.
The Dashboard has results for soil lead testing, blood lead level monitoring, and more.
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Free Soil Testing
Soil Testing [ [link removed] ]
Residents in the *Palisades Fire* burn area and the *Eaton Fire* burn area can obtain free soil testing, for a limited time. Get more information here [ [link removed] ].
*Residents can drop off soil samples at any time in the outside drop-off container.*
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*Free Testing for Lead*
Residents who were near wildfires or burn areas are able to receive *free blood lead testing* through December 2025 by the following two options:
*1. Visit Your Medical Provider.*
Ask your doctor for a blood lead test. Testing is covered by most insurance plans, including Medi-Cal.
- or -
*2. Schedule a Free Blood Lead Test at a Quest Lab.
*Call 1-800-LA-4-LEAD (1-800-524-5323) to request a free appointment. Testing is simple, confidential, and convenient.
*For more post-fire information from County of Los Angeles Public Health, click here [ [link removed] ].*
*Free Medical and Mental Health Clinic in Pasadena*
"*Mondays and Wednesdays, from Noon to 5 p.m. *
"
In person, hosted by the Eaton Health Village, in partnership with the Department of Mental Health
For free medical and mental health care, including medical consultations, medical refills, mental health services and case management, vision care, and dental care.
* *Location:* Pasadena Seventh-Day Adventist Church (1280 E. Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104)
* *More information:* 951-595-7032 or _click here [ [link removed] ]_
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FAQs banner [ [link removed] ]
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*Recognize the Signs and Report Exploitation, Human Trafficking: *Natural disasters, like the recent LA wildfires, create chaos and displacement leaving many people vulnerable to exploitation including human trafficking.
People seeking work after a disaster should be cautious about job offers that sound too good to be true. Human traffickers use false promises of high wages and effortless jobs to lure people into dangerous situations. Click here [ [link removed] ] to learn more.
If you or someone you know is being forced to engage in any activity and cannot leave, please report it to:
*National Human Trafficking Hotline
**Text:* 233-733 (Be Free) or *Phone:* (888) 373-7888
*Department of Consumer and Business Affairs' Office of Labor Equity*
*Email:*
[email protected] or *Phone:* (800) 593-8222
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Photos Vid Header
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* For the latest fire response and recovery photos from LA County, *please visit our Flickr [ [link removed] ] page*.
* For the latest videos on fire response and recovery, *please visit our YouTube [ [link removed] ] page*.
click here for a full list of recovery resources [ [link removed] ]
Bookmark and Share [ [link removed] ]
Manage Subscriptions [ [link removed] ]
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[email protected] on behalf of: County of Los Angeles, California · 500 W. Temple St. · Los Angeles 90012
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